World Poker Tour officials announce new changes and improvements to WPT Season IX

At a press conference last weekend at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, site of the WPT Bellagio Cup VI, World Poker Tour (WPT) CEO Steve Heller and WPT President Adam Pliska announced a series of new additions and improvements to the World Poker Tour a Season IX.

Some of the announcements include the addition of Kimberly Lansing as WPT's official television anchor. Lansing, a familiar face in the poker community, will provide show opens and breaks, as well as player interviews and “on the field” commentaries.

The WPT also informed that commentators Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten will now attend Day 1 of every WPT event in the U.S, and introduced Matt Savage as WPT’s Executive Tour Director. In the new role, Savage will serve as the liaison between casino tournament directors and WPT, advocating on behalf of the poker community and working to ensure that the needs of WPT’s casino partners are met as a part of the WPT’s continued growth.

The announcement also marked the official introduction of the new WPT’s Royal Flush Girls. Part television celebrities and part WPT event ambassadors, the WPT Royal Flush Girls will be on every tournament. Appearing in every episode of the new season, they will take TV viewers behind the scenes and promise to make for an even more impressive money and award presentation.

“This is an exciting year for the World Poker Tour. WPT has always been an innovator of poker and today we are pleased to reveal the first in a series of new additions throughout the season that will enhance the entire WPT experience.” said Heller.